Preventing Pressure Injuries in Sitting Positions

Pressure Injury (PI) Prevention and Sitting In sitting positions, the pressure is higher than in lying postures. The risk of pressure injury is greatly increased during sitting periods. Pressure map in supine position Pressure map in sitting position Updated 11/2024

All patients with chair orders AND Have a sacral or ischial pressure injury OR Are at risk for a pressure injury GENERAL GUIDELINES: Apply Mepilex foam Use chair air cushion under patient. Do not use donuts. Maintain proper alignment; recline with legs elevated if possible or ensure feet are well supported on the floor. Assess skin after each period of sitting to evaluate. For a patient with an ischial pressure injury, avoid seating in a fully erect posture in chair. REPOSITIONING: If patient is unable to reposition themself or can reposition but won t because of pain, dementia, etc: assist with repositioning at least q1h. If patient is able to reposition themselves: encourage q15 minute pressure shifts. CONSIDER SITTING LIMITATIONS: 2 hours for at risk patient 1hour TID for patient with ischial or sacral pressure injury. Sitting time can be increased or decreased based on improvement or deterioration of the pressure injury.

YES NO If chair does not recline, sit patient upright with feet on the ground. Maintain proper position and alignment in chair. Slouched or slid-down postures create significant increases in pressure. YES NO If chair reclines, lean patient back and elevate legs on a rest. Preferred chair position if patient has an ischial pi. Do not sit patient upright with feet elevated

Chair Cushion Selection Criteria Medline Standard Cushion EHOB Extra Large Waffle Chair Cushion For patients 250 pounds or less For patients between 250-700 pounds PMM 1782 PMM 89576